Informa shares gained over 2% on Thursday after a trading update showed 6.4% underlying revenue growth to 31 May and reaffirmed the group’s full-year earnings outlook.
Informa PLC shares are rising on Thursday after the events and academic publishing group reported 6.4% underlying revenue growth in the first five months of 2026 and reaffirmed its guidance for double-digit growth in adjusted earnings per share for the full year.
Shares in Informa are trading at 862p in mid-morning London trade, up 2.6% from Wednesday’s closing price of 840.4p, after the company published a trading update alongside its annual general meeting. The stock reached a morning high of 866.2p and has recovered markedly from a trough near 740p registered in mid-March.
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The group said underlying revenue grew 6.4% in the five months to 31 May 2026, driven by contributions from both of its main divisions. Taylor and Francis, the academic publishing arm, delivered underlying revenue growth of 5.5%, supported by subscriptions, open research and advanced learning, and remains on track for 4% growth for the full year.
B2B Live Events posted underlying revenue growth of 7.6% over the same period, with Healthcare, food, beauty and finance events among the strongest performers. The group saw solid momentum across the Americas, Greater China, ASEAN and Europe. Around 10% of the B2B Live Events portfolio relates to conflict-affected regions; Informa said more than 15 event brands have been rescheduled within 2026, with some planned launches deferred to 2027.
Informa said more than $4 billion of 2026 revenues are already traded, booked or visible through subscriptions and forward contracts, providing strong pipeline cover for the remainder of the year. In addition, more than $600 million of revenues for the first half of 2027 have already been booked or confirmed, according to the group.
Analysts broadly favour the stock. JPMorgan holds an Overweight rating with a price target of 1,330p, and Morgan Stanley also carries an Overweight rating with a target of 1,080p, according to analysis by Simply Wall St published in March. Citi is more cautious at Neutral with a 975p target, citing uncertainty over artificial intelligence’s effect on certain parts of the business. The consensus average target tracked by EODHD sits at approximately 1,024p.
Informa repeated its expectation for double-digit underlying growth in adjusted EPS in 2026 and flagged stronger growth in 2027 as its four-year programme to expand its B2B platform continues to gain traction. The next comprehensive update will be the half-year results, scheduled for 23 July 2026.